Japanese ambassador can't get enough of this iconic Bihari dish: Check viral video
Japanese Ambassador Keiichi Ono is winning hearts in India by embracing local culture. He recently sampled Bihar's famous litti chokha, even greeting locals in Bhojpuri. Ono also highlighted Japan's involvement in infrastructure projects, blending cultural appreciation with diplomatic duties. This follows a trend of Japanese diplomats using food to foster goodwill.
Governor shedding crocodile tears: Tamil Nadu Minister Chezhiaan
CHENNAI: Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan on Monday said Governor RN Ravi was shedding crocodile tears over the plight of Dalits in the state and blamed him for remaining silent on the atrocities happening against Dalits in BJP ruled states. Citing data released by the centre, the minister said the six BJP-ruled states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Maharashtra accounted for 81% of cases filed for atrocities against Dalits while Tamil Nadu accounted for 3%. The minister was responding to the governors speech at the BR Ambedkars birth anniversary event held at Raj Bhavan on Monday. Chezhiaan alleged that Ravi, who upheld the principles of Manu and Sanatana Dharma, which according to the minister are the fundamental reasons for caste atrocities, was criticising Tamil Nadu in an absurd manner as he was unable to digest the recent landmark verdict of Supreme Court against him. Tamil Nadu leaders pay tributes to Ambedkar; 'plight of dalits in state painful,' says Governor
Tejashwi to meet Kharge, Rahul in Delhi on Apr 15 ahead of Oppn meeting
PATNA: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav is likely to meet senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi on Tuesday to deliberate upon seat-sharing and other issues pertaining to the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar. Yadavs meeting with top Congress leaders in the capital is being seen as an attempt to sort out growing disagreement between two allies over some issues, including declaration of chief ministerial candidate of the Opposition in the election vis-a-vis NDAs Nitish Kumar. RJD, Congress, CPI-ML (Liberation), CPI, CPM and VIP are the constituents of grand alliance in Bihar. Mukesh Sahanis Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) has already staked claim on 60 seats and a Dy CMs post. Currently, Sahani has no MLA in the 243-member Bihar assembly. The MLA of the party who emerged victorious in byelection in Bochaha assembly seat in Muzaffarpur later joined BJP. The Congress has also announced it would contest 70 seats in the election. In 2020, it contested 70 seats but could bag only 19. The partys top leadership has clarified that it would go to polls in alliance with RJD. Disagreement surfaced over declaration of chief ministerial candidate ahead of elections. While RJD is projecting Tejashwi as CM face of the Opposition, the Congress contended that a decision on the matter will be taken after the assembly election results. NDA selects Nitish NDA has already announced that the alliance would contest the assembly elections under Bihar CM Nitish Kumars leadership. It has also declared that Nitish would become the chief minister after the assembly election results.
Tejashwi Yadav Arrives In Delhi For Talks With Kharge Over Bihar Polls
RJD MP Manoj Jha said that this meeting will discuss seat-sharing and the alliance between the two parties for the upcoming Bihar elections
PATNA: Hours after RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav asked JD(U) supremo and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take serious note of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Sainis remarks on the future CM of Bihar, deputy chief minister and senior BJP leader Samrat Choudhary clarified on Monday that Nitish would continue to lead the NDA alliance for the next term. Speaking at the launch of Dr Ambedkar Samagra Seva Abhiyan, Choudhary reiterated that the upcoming assembly elections would be fought under Nitishs leadership. He will continue to serve as chief minister for the next term as well, he said, adding that the NDA government under Nitishs leadership would take the state forward. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini had on Sunday sparked controversy by projecting Choudhary as Bihars future CM during an event in Gurgaon. TheBJPs victory march should continue from Haryana to Bihar. The flag of victory would be unfurled in Bihar by Samrat Choudhary, Saini said. Reacting to Saini's remark, Tejashwi Yadav said on Monday, The JD(U) must take serious note of the comment. Saini is a member of the BJP national executive. He appears to have revealed what the party's top leadership has decided, but is not making public. It is now clear that the BJP is unwilling to let Nitish continue as CM. Already he seems to be powerless. His persona is being used as a mask and the JD(U) is being run by people like (Union minister) Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan and (working president) Sanjay Kumar Jha, both of whom have sold themselves to the BJP,he added. Countering Tejashwis allegations, Choudhary said, The NDA government is united and will contest the assembly elections under Nitishs leadership. He is and will remain the face of NDA in Bihar. JD(U), a major ally of the BJP, also tried to downplay the controversy, saying that there is no doubt over Nitishs leadership in the assembly elections. Top leaders of BJP have already said that Nitish Kumar will remain the face of NDA in Bihar and will continue to serve as CM for the next term as well, JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar said. Samrat Choudary during his speech, also reacted to Tejashwi Yadav's allegations that BJP was anti-Dalit and anti-reservation. Referring to Tejashwis claim that two universities were created out of the approval of 10 universities under the RJD regime, Choudhary said that altogether 23 universities were built under Nitishs regime. This is a reality, and anybody can check it from the records of the state government, he added. Highlighting the objective behind the launch of Dr Ambedkar Samagra Seva Abhiyan, the deputy chief minister said that it was aimed at fulfilling Ambedkar's dreams of inclusive development. Under the campaign, Dalits hamlets would be provided basic amenities like drains, connecting roads and potable water. The officials concerned will also verify whether the people living in Dalit hamlets were getting benefits of Ujjwala Yojna and Ayushman Bharat. If any lapses are found, corrective measures will be taken immediately, he asserted.
As foreign loans turn costly, infrastructure debt to see domestic refinancing
India plans to refinance multilateral debts for key infrastructure projects. This move aims to protect projects from expensive foreign loans and strict conditions. Indian Railway Finance Corporation may refinance loans for Indian Railways projects in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Chhattisgarh. Refinancing could extend to metro projects as well.
Non-local labourer drowns to death in river Jhelum
Srinagar, Apr 14: A non-local labourer drowned in river Jhelum at Patalbagh area of Pampore in Pulwama district on Monday. An official told that the deceased has been identified as Nami Sahani (45), son of Sarjo Sahani, a resident of Bihar, who was working as a sand labourer in the area. Soon after the incident, [] The post Non-local labourer drowns to death in river Jhelum appeared first on Northlines .
City ranks better than major metros in traffic speed, management: Survey
Paras snaps ties with NDA, accuses BJP of disrespect
CM launches welfare drive for SCs & STs
Three held for killing of man in Banka
Camp organised for marginalised communities
Mascot and logo of Khelo India Youth Games 2025 to be held in Bihar
Bihar will host the seventh edition of Khelo India Youth Games 2025 from 4th to 15th May. The games will be organised at various cities including Patna, Gaya, Rajgir, Begusarai and Bhagalpur. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the mascot and logo of Khelo India Youth Games 2025 at [] The post Mascot and logo of Khelo India Youth Games 2025 to be held in Bihar appeared first on The Indian Awaaz .
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court is scheduled to adjudicate on April 17, a plea filed by asenior police officer seeking to quash a rape case filed against him after the delay of ten years. The FIR was allegedly registered at a different place, away from where the crime had taken place. The accused, Somesh Kumar Mishra, a former trainee DSP presently working as DSP in Bihar's Gopalganj, has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the top court seeking to quash the FIR against him. Mishra moved SC after the Patna High Court in 2022 refused to quash the FIR against him. According to the prosecution, Mishra is accused of sexually assaulting the victim at gunpoint between the years 2009 and 2012. According to Mishra's lawyer Shailendra Mani Tripathi, the case against him was initiated without the due process of law. The case has been initiated without the lodging of an FIR, which is contrary to legal requirements. And also there is no content prescribed in the FIR. The proceedings are not in accordance with the law. The FIR indicates that the distance from the place of occurrence to the police station is 2 kilometers. However, it has been alleged that the incident took place in Delhi, Tripathy alleged. Furthermore, there are no allegations pertaining to Bhagalpur in the entire report. Thepolice, without any jurisdiction, conducted an arbitrary investigation and then filed a charge sheet in the Sessions Court, Bhagalpur, he said. Mishra in his plea, stated that the police inquiry against him was conducted without following the due process of law. According to Mishra's plea, instead of approaching a police station and filing a complaint, the victim had sent an email to the Bihar police academy Rajgir in 2019, which was forwarded by the DIG to the additional DGP and Deputy Director of Bihar Police. Following this, the additional DGP ordered the DIG to submit an inquiry report within a week. As part of the inquiry, the victim was asked by the police to come to the police academy in Rajgir. On January 25, 2020, the victim along with her husband, appeared before the sexual harassment committee at Bihar police academy and informed that the said incident had happened a decade ago. The plea stated that following this, instead of lodging the FIR in Delhi, where the offense occurred, the police registered a case at Bihar's Bhagalpur on March 20, 2020. Mishrawas arrested in November 2020, and was granted bail the next month. Claiming that the allegations against him are baseless and fabricated with an intent to ruin his life and career, Mishra alleged that he had been targeted at a time when he was trying to settle in life with his dream job and thinking of starting a family life. The FIR is based on false and fabricated facts, as such, the same is liable to be quashed. There was a substantial delay (about a decade) in lodging the FIR and no plausible explanation regarding this has been given. Delay in lodging the FIR, itself shows that it is done after much thought and consultation, due to mala-fide intention, he alleged.
PM to inaugurate Khelo India Youth Games on May 4: Nitish
Woman found dead at private film studio
NDA Loses Ally In Bihar As Pashupati Paras' RLJP Walks Out: 'Faced Injustice Because Of Dalit Roots'
Pashupati Paras accused the NDA of doing injustice to his party because of its Dalit roots and hinted at a possibility of joining Congress' Mahagathbandhan ahead of Bihar elections this year.
Timber worth over Rs 1 cr destroyed in fire
402 police officers transferred in Patna
IPL 2025: Pant Fights Lone Battle As CSKs Disciplined Bowling Restrict LSG To 166/7
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Chennai Super Kings bowlers showcased remarkable discipline to restrict Lucknow Super Giants to 166/67 in Match 30 of the Indian Premier League 2025, here at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cricket Stadium. Despite a valiant half-century from captain Rishabh Pant (63), CSKs calculated bowling and sharp fielding ensured that LSG never quite got away on a slightly sticky surface. Pant, whose start to IPL 2025 had been patchy, played the anchor role with a gritty 63 off 49 deliveries his first half-century of the season. Walking in after the early wickets of Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran both dismissed inside the powerplay Pant steadied the ship, first alongside Mitchell Marsh and later with Ayush Badoni. While Pants knock lacked the flair his fans associate with him, it was one of necessity. He struggled particularly against the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad. Against Noor, Pant managed just 6 runs off 15 balls including 10 dot deliveries marking one of the slowest head-to-head battles in IPL history. His eventual strike-rate of 117.77 did little to accelerate LSGs innings during the crucial middle overs. Mitchell Marsh provided a brief counter-punch, scoring a brisk 30 off 25 balls before falling to Jadeja just after the strategic timeout. Badoni followed with a cameo (22 off 17), but just when he looked set to tee off, Jadeja foxed him with a wide one, and Dhoni completed a smart stumping his 200th fielding dismissal in IPL, the first player to reach that milestone. Earlier, CSK started brilliantly with the ball. In-form Khaleel Ahmed dismissed Markram in the first over, aided by a stunning catch from Rahul Tripathi sprinting back from cover. Anshul Kamboj then removed the dangerous Pooran for just 8, courtesy of a successful DRS call by Dhoni. While Pant finally found his timing late, with two massive sixes off Matheesha Pathirana in the 18th over, the death overs lacked the fireworks LSG desperately needed. The trio of Jadeja, Noor and Pathirana bowled superbly in tandem, especially in overs 11 to 17, conceding just 32 runs between them and choking the run flow. In the end, LSG finished on a below-par 166/7. On a ground known for its spin and low bounce, CSK will back themselves to chase the target down, especially if their top order finds fluency. While Pant finally found his timing late, with two massive sixes off Matheesha Pathirana in the 18th over, the death overs lacked the fireworks LSG desperately needed. The trio of Jadeja, Noor and Pathirana bowled superbly in tandem, especially in overs 11 to 17, conceding just 32 runs between them and choking the run flow. Also Read: Highest tax paying cricketers Article Source: IANS
Woman dies under suspicious circumstances
ACS sets deadline for selection of shiksha sevaks
Pashupati Paras quits NDA ahead of Bihar assembly polls
PATNA: Former Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) chief Pashupati Kumar Paras on Monday formally announced to quit the BJP-JD(U) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and said that the RLJP is no longer a part of the ruling alliance both in the state and at the centre. Paras had resigned from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet after his party was denied any seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. On the other hand, his nephew and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan was allotted five seats in the parliamentary election. Talking to media persons on the sidelines of B R Ambedkars birth anniversary, Paras said, Henceforth we have no connections with NDA. We will go with the alliance which will provide us due respect and also a respectable number of seats in the assembly elections. When asked about his future plans, Paras said, It will be revealed to you at an opportune time. First, we have announced to snap ties with NDA. During dahi-chura bhoj (feast) in January this year, RJD chief and former chief minister Lalu Prasad had met Paras, giving enough indications of RLJP joining hands with RJD-led mahagathbandhan or grand alliance. Paras, however, then asserted that he was still part of NDA. Ever since RLJP was denied seats in the Lok Sabha elections, Paras has been critical of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. He even described the NDA government in Bihar as Bimaroo (sick) and slammed Nitish for rising poverty and unemployment in the state. Former Union Minister also tried to corner Bihar chief minister for his failure to mitigate migration, which forced the youth from the state to go to other states in search of livelihood. He also highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation and poor quality of education in government-run schools. Paras did not lag behind in making his partys stand clear on the Waqf Amendment Bill. The Bill is against the interests of members of the Muslim community. It has hurt the sentiments of Muslims who have been living in the country for ages and have also contributed to the freedom struggle, he asserted.
Union Minister Pashupati Paras Breaks Ties With NDA, To Contest Bihar Polls Alone
In a significant political development ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) chief and former Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras announced his party's exit from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Amid row over Sainis remark, Samrat says Nitish to continue as CM even after polls
Tributes and tussles: Political slugfest on Ambedkar Jayanti
Selection trials for Khelo India Youth Games-2025 to be conducted on April 16
The national games for the Under-18 athletes are slated to be organised in Bihar from May 2 to 15
Satuani celebrated with traditional fervour in state
JD(U) should take note of Sainis remark: Tejas
First bridge museum to come up in state capital
Woman, son killed as car rams into bike in Muzaffarpur, 1 arrested
Non-Local Labourer Drowns in Jhelum in South Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A non-local labourer drowned in the river Jhelum at Patalbagh area of Pampore in south Kashmirs Pulwama district on Monday. An official said the deceased has been identified as Nami Sahani (45), son of Sarjo Sahani, a resident of Bihar, who was working as a sand labourer in the area. Soon after the incident, [] The post Non-Local Labourer Drowns in Jhelum in South Kashmir appeared first on Kashmir Life .
Who Will Be NDA's Bihar Chief Minister Face? BJP Minister's Clarification
Hours after Tejashwi Yadav's fiery remarks on Ambedkar Jayanti, accusing the BJP and NDA of being anti-reservation and anti-Ambedkar, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary fired back, strongly defending the NDA's commitment to social justice.
IPL 2025: Shaik Rasheed Debuts As Chennai Super Kings Opt To Field Against Lucknow Super Giants
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the toss and elected to bowl first against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 30th match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, here at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. CSK have made two changes, Ravichandran Ashwin and Devon Conway miss out as Sheik Rashid and Jamie Overton replace them. For LSG, Mitchell Marsh returns to the playing XI, but Himmat Singh misses out. Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni said, Well blessed, we get good support. Thank you all the fans. We want to bowl first, there's chances of dew here. The wicket gets better. It's important to set the right temperament. We haven't been consistent with our batting. With the ball we have strong back strong. It's important to have a positive mindset, play those big shots. It's a matter of time. We have a couple of changes. Lucknow Super Giants captain Risbhabh Pant said, It's just amazing. We would have bowled first. In Lucknow it's slower in the first innings, gets better gradually. The only thing we talked about CSK is that we don't want to give them an opening, just need to give our 100%. We want to go out there and play good cricket. Only one change - Marsh comes back in for Himmat Singh. Playing XIs: Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (c and wk), David Miller, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan Impact Substitutes: Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Shahbaz Ahmed, Prince Yadav Chennai Super Kings: Shaik Rasheed, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Jamie Overton, MS Dhoni (c and wk), Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana Impact Substitutes: Chennai Super Kings: Shaik Rasheed, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Jamie Overton, MS Dhoni (c and wk), Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana Also Read: Highest tax paying cricketers Article Source: IANS
300 acres being transformed into grand venue for PMs address in Madhubani
BSRTC to launch pink buses for women by June
'They did injustice': Pashupati Kumar Paras announces RLJP's exit from NDA
Pashupati Kumar Paras, chief of the RLJP, declared his party's departure from the NDA, citing perceived injustice and neglect. Paras highlighted the party's loyalty since 2014 but expressed disappointment over being ignored in recent NDA meetings in Bihar. The RLJP is now preparing for the 2025 state assembly elections and open to considering alliances with the INDIA bloc if given due respect.
Cams to detect uninsured vehicles, impose fines in smart cities
PM Modi to inaugurate Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Patna: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Patna on May 4. The event, spanning five districts until May 15, will host 8,500 athletes and 1,500 technical staff from across India.
JD(U) must take 'serious note' of Haryana CM's statement on Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav
Our victory march that saw the BJP return to power in Haryana must continue in Bihar. I am sure the elections will be won by the BJP under the leadership of Samrat Choudhary, Mr. Saini said at a function in Delhi
From Myanmar To Nagaland To Bihar: How A Smuggled AK-47 Goes From Rs 7,000 To Rs 7 Lakh
A review of the FIR at Fakuli police station, Muzaffarpur, along with the police investigation and case diary, revealed that the weapons were smuggled into India via the Myanmar-China border route
IPL 2025: 'Major Changes Are Not In CSK's DNA', Says Hayden Ahead Of LSG Clash
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden shared his insights on Chennai Super Kings potential approach in their fixture against Lucknow Super Giants on Monday, believing that implementing major changes is against the five-time winner's DNA and they will likely follow their simple ack yourselves and trust the process approach. CSK are rooted at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table with just one win after six games and will be hoping for a turnaround when they face LSG at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Monday evening. I doubt well see major changes - its just not in CSKs DNA. Their approach will likely be: back yourselves, trust the process. They might not be the team that scores 60 in the powerplay, but they have to find a point of difference. Without change, it becomes insanity - doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. Whether they recognise and act on that is still uncertain, but something clearly needs to shift, Hayden said on JioHotstar. CSK got off to a winning start with a win over Mumbai Indians but since then have lost five consecutive matches -- against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders -- for the first time in the tournament's history. Also for the first time, CSK have lost three consecutive matches at their home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. They have already lost their skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, due to an elbow fracture, with MS Dhoni leading the side in his absence, while 17-year-old Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre is set to join the squad as Gaikwad's replacement. The return of Dhoni to the captaincy, following Gaikwad's injury, couldn't spark a turnaround in CSKs previous match against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Head coach Stephen Fleming admitted that Dhoni's return to being captain wouldn't change the team's fortunes overnight, saying, He hasn't got a magic wand. They have already lost their skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, due to an elbow fracture, with MS Dhoni leading the side in his absence, while 17-year-old Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre is set to join the squad as Gaikwad's replacement. Also Read: Highest tax paying cricketers Article Source: IANS
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara announced a joint meeting with the Labour Department to address rising crimes involving migrant laborers, prompted by the alleged kidnapping and murder of a child in Hubballi by a man from Bihar. While acknowledging the necessity of migrant workers, the Minister emphasized the need to curb their involvement in criminal activities.
Lord Banke Bihari Adorned in Assamese Attire on Bohag Bihu, Celebrating Cultural Harmony
HT Digital GUWAHATI, APR 14: On the sacred occasion of the Assamese New Year, the revered Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan witnessed a deeply moving and culturally rich celebration. For the first time in history, Lord Shri Banke Bihari Ji was adorned in traditional Assamese attire, bringing immense joy and pride to the people []
PruTech to Lead the Digital Transformation of The Bihar State Cooperative Bank Ltd.
Business Wire India In a significant step toward modernizing its banking operations, The Bihar State Cooperative Bank Ltd. (BSCB) has entrusted PruTech Solutions with the responsibility of driving its digital transformation. This large-scale initiative will integrate advanced technologies, including Generative AI within the Core Banking System, to enhance operational efficiency and deliver a seamless, customer-centric banking experience across BSCB and its branches. The bank is presently doing business through 13 branches and 23 District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCB) affiliated with it. The project will be implemented across all the branches of BSCB and 23 DCCBs. With a project value exceeding Rs. 190 crore, this initiative represents one of the most significant technology investments in the cooperative banking sector. The project will include a centralized technology infrastructure, ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility across Bihars extensive banking network. By implementing a suite of advanced digital solutions, PruTech will redefine how banking services are delivered, ensuring greater efficiency, security, and customer-centricity. A Comprehensive Suite of Banking Solutions To ensure a holistic transformation, PruTech is deploying a next-generation banking ecosystem that will revolutionize BSCBs day-to-day operations. At the core of this project is the Core Banking System, a scalable platform that enables real-time transactions, centralized financial management, and seamless end to end banking services across all branches. This system will not only enhance transaction speed and accuracy but also enable unified banking operations, ensuring a seamless experience for customers. To strengthen regulatory compliance and security, PruTech is integrating an Anti-Money Laundering solution, which proactively detects fraudulent activities and ensures adherence to national and international financial regulations. By leveraging advanced risk assessment tools, this solution will safeguard BSCB against financial crimes, reinforcing trust and transparency in its banking operations. The transformation also focuses on improving accessibility and customer engagement. The Loan Origination System will digitize and streamline the entire loan process, from application to approval and disbursement, enabling faster credit decisions and reducing manual processing delays. Meanwhile, the Micro-ATM Client Application will extend financial services to rural and remote areas, ensuring cash withdrawals and transactions beyond traditional branch networks, thus expanding financial inclusion across Bihar. To further elevate operational efficiency and customer experience, Generative AI is also being leveraged to bring intelligent automation and personalized banking solutions to BSCB. Gen AI-powered virtual assistants will enhance customer interactions by providing human-like responses and contextual support in multiple languages, ensuring seamless customer engagement. Furthermore, a centralized Helpdesk & Grievance Management system will ensure faster resolution of customer complaints, improving service reliability and customer satisfaction. Additionally, by automating key functions such as human resource management, regulatory compliance, and customer service , BSCB will strengthen its operational efficiency while ensuring a seamless and transparent banking experience for its customers. At the heart of this transformation is Converge, PruTechs Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC). This powerful platform will provide centralized oversight of all banking operations, infrastructure, and services, equipping administrators with real-time insights, proactive monitoring, managing and data-driven decision-making capabilities. With Converge, BSCB will gain unmatched agility and control over its operations, enabling smarter decision-making, increased security, and a more seamless banking experience for customers. A separate, isolated cloud IT infrastructure at the DC and DR site will be used to host the banks applications, utilizing the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) model. This infrastructure will provide compute, storage, networks, and other fundamental resources to deploy and run CBS software, along with allied applications, as per the banks requirements. By integrating these innovative solutions, PruTech is not just enhancing operational efficiencyit is empowering BSCB to streamline its core banking operations, enabling secure, real-time transaction processing while enhancing compliance, risk mitigation, and financial governance. This project marks a defining moment for cooperative banking in Bihar. By embracing digital innovation, BSCB is creating a more secure, efficient, and inclusive financial ecosystem that will serve as a benchmark for the sector. With Converge at the core, we are bringing the power of Gen AI, smart analytics, and seamless automation to banking oversight. By integrating various banking applications and real-time operational intelligence, we are enabling seamless banking experiences, strengthening risk management, and fostering greater financial accessibility across Bihar. This transformation will redefine how cooperative banks operate, ensuring they remain resilient and future-ready in an increasingly digital world, said Ambika Prasad Mohapatra, Executive VP, PruTech Solutions. Redefining the Future of Cooperative Banking BSCB is setting a benchmark for cooperative banking modernization in India by embracing intelligent automation, AI-driven solutions, and real-time operational insights. The bank is not only future-proofing its services but also expanding financial accessibility across Bihar. The solutions implemented as part of this transformation are flexible, secure, and scalable, offering seamless integration across various banking functions and branches. This ensures that BSCB can adapt to evolving financial needs, enhance service delivery, and maintain uninterrupted banking operations while meeting the highest standards of compliance and security. As a trusted technology partner, PruTech Solutions remains committed to enabling innovation-driven growth for financial institutions. With a proven track record in delivering large-scale banking solutions, PruTech is driving a new era of digital-first banking, ensuring a more secure, efficient, and customer-centric financial ecosystem. About PruTech PruTech is a global leader in digital transformation, delivering next-generation technology solutions that drive efficiency, security, and innovation. With a strong presence across India, the USA, and Mexico, we specialize in modernizing banking, governance, and enterprise operations through advanced cloud platforms, cybersecurity frameworks, AI-driven automation, and IoT solutions. Our expertise spans large-scale digital infrastructure projects, smart governance platforms, and enterprise application development, helping organizations seamlessly transition into the digital era. Having executed over 3000 projects, PruTech continues to redefine industries with intelligent, scalable, and future-ready solutions. For more details, visit www.prutech.com
Ambedkar favoured smaller, more manageable states; proposed division of Bihar, MP, UP
B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India's Constitution, advocated for smaller states for better governance and equitable development. He proposed dividing large provinces like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh to ensure administrative efficiency and prevent regional marginalization. Ambedkar believed smaller states would enhance citizen control over public spending and promote accountability, emphasizing national unity and practicality in state reorganization.
TTDs Divya Kshetrams hit by staff crunch
TIRUMALA: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), one of Indias wealthiest temples, faces a severe staff shortage. With over 108 employees retired as of March 31, 2025, and an estimated 500 more expected to retire by June, maintaining existing temples has become challenging. This shortage poses significant concerns as TTD plans to construct Divya Kshetrams (Srivari Temples) in every state. The lack of essential staff, particularly Archakas trained in Pancharatra and Vaikhanasa Agama, crucial for temple operations, raises questions about the feasibility of the expansion. While TTD is optimistic about simultaneous construction and recruitment, some experts urge the temple board to prioritize addressing the staff crunch over new temple construction. The staff shortage at TTD has reached a critical point, forcing the organization to rely heavily on local volunteers for sensitive tasks like Hundi counting at outside temples. A recent incident exposed this vulnerability when a staff member was suspended in March for allegedly manipulating foreign currency denominations in a Hundi, amounting to Rs 6.5 lakh, with an ongoing police investigation. Experts suggest that the staff member exploited the situation due to being indispensable amid the staff shortage, highlighting the risks of relying on overextended personnel. Furthermore, TTD has been slow to develop a comprehensive manpower deployment and recruitment strategy, particularly for crucial roles such as Archakas trained in Pancharatra and Vaikhanasa Agama, Veda Parayanadars, Paricharakas, temple kitchen (Potu) staff, and sanitation, security, and musical staff. TTD is grappling with a significant staff shortage, with 108 employees retired as of March 31, 2025, and an estimated 500 more expected to retire by June. The lack of new recruits has impacted not only temples but also guest houses, Public Amenities Complexes, and other support facilities. Notably, the TTDs staff strength has dwindled from 16,600 employees two decades ago to around 5,000 currently. The temples taken over from the AP Endowments Department, such as those in Vontimitta, Devuni Kadapa, and Valmikipuram, are facing a severe resource crunch, relying heavily on TTD funding and facing periodic pressure for increased allocation. Unclear path ahead for Divya Kshetrams Moreover, TTD temples in Jammu, Rishikesh, Kurukshetra, and Delhi are struggling with a shortage of Archakas, raising concerns about expanding to foreign lands due to traditional restrictions like those imposed by the Vaikhanasa Agama, which prohibit temple priests from crossing oceans. The Divya Kshethrams initiative was first formally announced in 2015 with letters sent to several state governments, proposing the construction of Lord Venkateswara temples. Constructions were completed in a few locations such as Kurukshetra, New Delhi, Kanyakumari, Chennai, Rampachodavaram and Seethampeta, but many of them continue to operate with insufficient staff. TTD had previously expanded into major urban centres such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and New Delhi to improve access to darshan tickets, accommodation, and spiritual outreach. However, many of these information centres have either shut down due to the rise of online services or have been converted into small temples or Kalyana Mandapams. An example is the Chennai information centre, which also has a Dhyanamandir. The Chennai centre has never been officially designated as a temple, but the locals treat it as one. It has become one of the top revenue-generating sub-temples via Hundi collections, despite running with a skeletal staff. Meanwhile, letters have been sent to Chief Ministers and administrators of 18 states and Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, and Sikkim. Chief Ministers of several states have responded positively to TTD Trust Board Chairman BR Naidus request for land allocation to build temples in their respective capitals. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is also said to have discussed this matter during a recent review with the board. However, according to a senior TTD officer, a clear financial and administrative policy is still pending. Key questions remain: Who will bear construction costs? How are donor roles defined? And what are the operational obligations once a temple is established? In case of Navi Mumbai, an MoU exists with a private donor, but most proposed locations have no such clarity. Legal, administrative and cultural hurdles Legally, TTD is governed by the TTD Act, which has limited clarity or flexibility when it comes to constructing temples outside AP or India. Amendments may be necessary if the institution is to continue its out-of-state or international expansion. Further, while TTD is registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs is essential for each project and is only valid for five years. With political leadership changes in those states, continuity may not be guaranteed.
Karnataka: Man accused of minors rape-murder killed in police encounter
Hubballi: The Karnataka Police have shot dead the accused involved in the kidnapping, sexual assault and murder case of a minor girl reported from Hubballi city on Sunday. The accused has been identified as 35-year-old Ritesh Kumar from Patna in Bihar. However, the police claimed that the identity of the accused is yet to be Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Ahmedabad Diary | Rupanis rise to national politics on the cards
There are rumours on the grapevine that former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani is set for a national political leap. A seasoned strategist, Rupani has flexed his organisational prowess not just in Gujarat but also as the saffron partys point man in Punjab and other states. A party loyalist, he took over the reins of the state from Anandiben Patel in 2016 and steered the government for over five years an era marked by administrative continuity and political stability. Its not hard to guess why the BJP high command is considering him for a high-stakes national role. Rupanis rise could recalibrate the partys national game plan, blending local connect with able leadership. Police dept set for massive shake-up The state police department is plagued by a mounting administrative logjam as those holding key posts, including the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), have been given additional charges. The result? A visible strain on law and order across the state. Nearly 15 SP-level officers are still awaiting official postings, and five recently promoted DIGs are in limbo. The Secretariat is abuzz with chatter that a long-overdue shake-up in police could soon turn into a full-blown transfer yatra. With crucial units like the IB and Crime Branch running on empty, the need for timely appointments is being felt more strongly than ever before. Patil sounds the poll bugle at event in Surat Union Minister and BJP leader CR Patil sounded the poll bugle at a Bihar Day event in Surat, declaring, 156 in Gujarat. And now 200+ in Bihar. In a fiery speech, he blamed all of the states woes on the caste politics that have dominated the public discourse for long. Caste keeps Bihar sick, he stressed. He declared that Naxalism was dead and that it was time to turn a fresh page. In a bid to bolster the saffron partys base in the state, Patil promised to join Chhath Puja and tied it to the partys campaign: Ill celebrate Chhath and victory. He also announced a special Surat-Bihar train for devotees to ensure a smooth experience for them. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
Bihar Polls: NDA cracks out as Manjhi party seeks 40 seats
PATNA: Internal bickering over seat-sharing within NDA surfaced after union minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) patron Jitan Ram Manjhi on Sunday contended that his party would contest at least 35-40 seats in upcoming Bihar assembly elections. Speaking at a public meeting in Purnea, Manjhi, who is also an MP representing the Gaya Lok Sabha seat, declared that HAM, an ally of ruling NDA both in the state and at the Centre, would contest 35-40 seats. We will have at least 20 MLAs in the 243-member Assembly, the former CM said. Manjhi named Rajenera Yadav as HAM candidate for the Kasba assembly seat. In addition, he announced the formation of HAM Sena to strengthen the organisation at grassroots level before the elections, which are set to take place in October-November. He expessed concerns about his party being continuously sidelined. It feels as if we are not part of the NDA, over poor representation of HAM in govt-run organisations.
In Bihar, girls pedal their way to script a new future
A five-year-old girl was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and murdered in Hubballi by a migrant worker from Bihar. Police apprehended the suspect within hours based on CCTV footage and mobile tower activity. While being taken for questioning, the accused attacked the police and attempted to escape, leading to him being shot dead during the encounter near Tarihal Underpass.
LSG vs CSK IPL 2025 Live Streaming: Lucknow Super Giants will face struggling Chennai Super Kings in the 30th match of IPL 2025 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
BJP, Allies push for Waqf Bill Even as Protests by Muslims, Opposition Continue
Notwithstanding the widespread protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act by the Opposition and some Muslim organisations, the BJP and its allies are going ahead advocating it, including in the poll-bound state of Bihar.
Businessman shot at in Danapur area
Four senior IAS officers transferred, two given additional charges
Former minister Bima Bharti receives extortion threats
At Bhim Samvad, CM vows focus on social welfare & inclusive devpt
Those questioning prohibition getting support from liquor mafia: NDA
Man Accused Of Kidnapping, Murdering 5-Year-Old Girl In Karnataka Killed In Police Encounter
According to the police, the 35-year-old man has been identified as Ritesh Kumar from Bihar.
Dy mukhiya, associate held for minors gang rape in Banka
NLIU, Bhopal, winner of moot court contest
7 held in two separate jewellery loot incidents in Begusarai
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In the shadow of the Bodhi tree
The temple town of Bodh Gaya in Bihar, where people believe Buddha received enlightenment, is at the centre of a sensitive situation involving religion, politics and governance.Amarnath Tewarytracks how the Buddhist temple is administered under a 75-year-old law, and why people are protesting, many under the banner of the Bhim Army
Caste rallies gain momentum ahead of polls
Six arrested for committing theft in shop
FIR against Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar for abusing PM Modi, RSS
Patna: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday, April 13, filed a police complaint against Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar in Patna, alleging that he used abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS during a recent TV interview. A delegation led by the BJPs media in-charge in Bihar, Danish Iqbal, visited the Kotwali Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bihar to establish special industrial zones following Rs 1.81 lakh crore investment proposals
Riding the wave of success from the Bihar Business Connect 2024, the Bihar government is planning to establish special industrial zones across the state. These zones, tailored to each district's strengths, will focus on specific agricultural produce, existing handicraft industries, and labor availability. The state aims to convert MoUs worth Rs 1.81 lakh crore into actual investments within a year.
BJP files complaint against Kanhaiya Kumar for making abusive remarks on RSS, PM Modi
A delegation led by the BJP's media in-charge in Bihar, Danish Iqbal, visited the Kotwali police station and filed the complaint.
92 fresh appointments at RPCAU take faculty strength to 90%
Bihar BJP files police complaint against Kanhaiya Kumar for remarks on PM Modi, RSS
The BJP's Bihar unit has lodged a police complaint against Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar in Patna, alleging he used offensive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS during a recent television interview. The complaint, filed by a BJP delegation, seeks an FIR against Kumar for his remarks made on April 11, deeming them objectionable and unacceptable.
BJP files police complaint alleging Kanhaiya Kumar abused PM, RSS in TV interview
PATNA: The BJP on April 13 filed a police complaint against Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar in Patna, alleging that he used abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS during a recent TV interview. A delegation led by the BJP's media in-charge in Bihar, Danish Iqbal, visited the Kotwali police station and filed the complaint. Iqbal urged the police to register an FIR against Kumar over the comments. Kanhaiya Kumar, who is a part of the 'tukde tukde gang', used abusive language against PM Modi, and the RSS and its ideologies in an interview to a TV channel on April 11. The language that he used in the interview is highly objectionable and unacceptable, Iqbal said. We have filed a complaint against him with the police seeking immediate registration of an FIR. We are quite confident that police will take appropriate action, he said.
IPL 2025: CSK Aiming To Halt The Slide Against LSG In Lucknow
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: The struggling Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be hoping for a turn of fortunes when they play Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 30 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium here on Monday. After losing five matches on the trot, CSK will be looking for their batter to do wonders to break their losing streak, while LSG will be aiming to extend their winning streak. CSK are coming into the match under considerable pressure, having suffered five straight defeats, an unusual slump for the five-time IPL champions. The absence of consistent power-hitting in the middle-order has been a key concern, coupled with an overdependence on their top-order batters. For the first time in their IPL history, CSK have lost three consecutive matches at their home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The return of M.S. Dhoni to the captaincy, following Ruturaj Gaikwads injury, couldn't spark a turnaround in their previous match against the Kolkata Knight Riders. As they look to halt the slide, CSK will be eager to deliver a strong performance both with bat and ball. LSG are brimming with confidence after they secured a comprehensive six-wicket win over the Gujarat Titans at their fortress. Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram slammed match-winning half-centuries to guide LSG to their fourth victory in IPL 2025. LSG's batting lineup is well set, as Pooran is still the No. 1 in the orange cap chart, as he has gone past the 300-run mark after his 61 in 34 balls against Gujarat Titans. He is at 349 runs now. Mitchell Marsh, who didn't get a chance against GT since his daughter is unwell, remains in third spot with 265 runs. Their bowlers Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shardul Thakur did well against GT's batting firepower. Thakur added two wickets to his kitty on Saturday, and that has brought him to No. 2 in the Purple Cap list with 11 wickets, just one behind the leader, Noor Ahmad of Chennai Super Kings. LSG are sitting third on the table with four wins in six games while CSK are rooted at the bottom after securing just one win in six outings. The two teams met five times in IPL history, with LSG holding an advantage in the head-to-head record, winning three of the five games while one match ended in no result. When will the LSG vs CSK match take place? The match will take place on Monday. The match will begin at 7:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 7 PM IST. Where will the LSG vs CSK match take place? The match will be played at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Where will the live broadcast for the LSG vs CSK match be available? The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network. Where will live streaming for the LSG vs CSK match be available? The match will be streamed live on the JioHotstar app. Squads: Lucknow Super Giants: Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant, David Miller, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Avesh Khan, Abdul Samad, Aryan Juyal, Akash Deep, Himmat Singh, Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akash Singh, Shamar Joseph, Prince Yadav, Yuvraj Chaudhary, RS Hangargekar, Arshin Kulkarni, Matthew Breetzke, Mohsin Khan Squads: Also Read: Highest tax paying cricketers Article Source: IANS
126 lightning deaths recorded in East, Central India between April 10-12
NEW DELHI: At least 126 deaths due to lightning have been recorded in Central and Eastern India, mostly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, over the past two days. The region received thunderstorms and lightning on April 10-11. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that continued extreme weather conditions, along with strong winds and hailstorms will prevail in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and eastern India for the next few days. An advisory has been issued urging the public to take precautions. According to the State Disaster Management Authority of Bihar, at least 82 people lost their lives in the state as a result of thunderstorms and lightning between April 10 and 11. Meanwhile, officials from the Uttar Pradesh State Disaster Management reported that at least 23 people were killed across various districts, particularly near the Nepal border. Chhattisgarh report six followed by Jharkhand five and Odisha four. Nepal has also confirmed that at least eight people have died from lightning. Central Indian states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, along with Eastern States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha, are among the most lightning-vulnerable regions. Tribals and lower strata of the society are the most vulnerable. Their housing patterns and reliance on the land contribute to their vulnerability. However, these death could be preventable as the IMD has issued a warning for thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall and lightning across eastern and central regions of the country, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In contrast, western regions like Gujarat are expected to experience heatwaves. An IMD scientist noted that on April 9, thundercloud formations developed over Haryana, Uttarakhand, and adjacent areas, moving toward eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, bringing with them lightning. Lightning, thunderstorms kill 61 in Bihar; CM Nitish Kumar announces Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia Lightning is caused by two main factors: moisture and heat. The weather conditions over the past week have created a conducive environment to lightning incidents. Dry conditions resulting from extreme heat last week, combined with the influx of moisture due to a western disturbance and cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan and Punjab, have intensified thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning, explained Debashish Jena, a weather scientist and research scholar at G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand. Col. Sanjay Srivastava, the Convener of the Lightning Resilient India Campaign and also chairman of Climate Resilience Observing System Promotion Council (CROPC), stated that casualties from lightning strikes are entirely preventable and criticized state governments for not implementing adequate measures to minimize these deaths. CROPC document lightning related casualty and damage. Recently, states like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have reduced lightning-related fatalities by nearly 70% within a relatively short timeframe, Srivastava noted. He also explained that the IMD had issued early warnings to disaster management authorities in each district about the potential for lightning events. However, district magistrates, who serve as the chairpersons of the District Disaster Management Authority, seldom engage in public awareness campaigns. These campaigns are crucial for informing people about safety measures, such as avoiding open fields and not seeking shelter under trees during storms, Srivastava added. According to the Lightning Detection Network of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), lightning strikes in India increased by 53% between 2019 and 2023. In some states, the rise exceeds 300%. Lightning incidents include both inter-cloud (IC) and cloud-to-ground (CG) events, which have surged from 13.8 million in 2019-20 to 20 million in 2022-23. Scientists are particularly concerned about the rise in CG lightning strikes, as these incidents primarily result in damage to human lives and property. Our data shows that CG lightning strikes rose from 5.16 million to 7.26 million in the past three years, which is a major concern, stated Srivastava. Experts believe that the increase in lightning is a stark indication of climate change. Global warming has intensified the heat, leading to a rise in sea surface temperatures and the melting of ice in the Himalayas and other mountains worldwide, which results in increased moisture in the atmosphere,said Dr.Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology at the India Meteorological Department. Additionally, the region encompassing the central river basins of the Ganges, Sone, and Mahanadi, as well as the mountain ranges of Vindhyachal, Satpura, Kaimur, and Vidarbha, is particularly prone to lightning strikes, leading to significant casualties. Over the past two decades, 75% of fatalities occurred in just eight states, primarily located in these high-risk areas. Madhya Pradesh leads in casualties, followed by Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Farah Khan's cook, Dilip, shows off his new, grand 6-room bungalow
Farah Khan's cook, Dilip, has become an internet sensation through her YouTube vlogs, captivating viewers with his witty exchanges and genuine rapport with the filmmaker. His popularity has translated into real-world success, enabling him to build a spacious new home in his native Bihar. Dilip recently showcased his personal life, introducing his family and farmland to Farah's audience.
INTERVIEW| Rs 10L cr investment to rewire highways; Northeast roads to match US standards: Gadkari
NEW DELHI: The Centre is planning to invest Rs 10 lakh crore over the next two years to strengthen highways across the country, with special focus on the Northeast, where roads will rival those in the US, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said. In an interview to PTI, he said the Centre is working to transform the country's infrastructure drastically in the next two years so that it matches the best in the world. We plan to take up projects worth Rs 10 lakh crore in the next two years to strengthen highways across the country, with special emphasis on enhancing infrastructure in the Northeast and the border areas. In the coming two years, highways in the Northeast will be on a par with US roads, Gadkari said. There is an urgent need to augment the road infrastructure in the Northeast given its difficult terrain and proximity to borders, he said. It is our endeavour to transform the country's infrastructure drastically so that it matches with the best in the world, he said, maintaining that works are underway in all states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Delhi. Gadkari said 784 highway projects are going to be implemented in the eastern states at an estimated cost of Rs 3,73,484 crore, covering 21,355 km. Among them are projects of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), the transport minister said. We currently have projects worth Rs 57,696 crore in Assam, and about Rs 90,000 crore in Bihar. We're also undertaking projects worth over Rs 42,000 crore in West Bengal, about Rs 53,000 crore in Jharkhand, and around Rs 58,000 crore in Odisha, Gadkari said. In the Northeast, except Assam, we are undertaking projects worth about Rs 1 lakh crore this year itself, he said. Gadkari said a mass rapid transport pilot project is underway in Nagpur at a cost of Rs 170 crore. The project involves a 135-seater bus that will run on non-polluting energy sources and is expected to be highly cost-effective. If successful, it will be replicated on important routes across the country, including the Delhi-Jaipur stretch, under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, he said. The minister said the length of the National Highway network has expanded significantly, growing from 91,287 km in March 2014 to 1,46,204 km at present, with a significant improvement in standards. The proportion of national highways below two lanes has dropped sharply -- from 30 percent to just 9 per cent of the total network, he said. In 2024-25, NHAI constructed 5,614 km of national highways, surpassing its target of 5,150 km.
In a freewheeling chat with The New Indian Express at Odisha Dialogues, Bhubaneswar MP and national spokesperson of BJP Aparajita Sarangi outlines her work for transformation of the state capital while speaking on the performance of Mohan Charan Majhi government in the state, the Waqf (Amendment) Act as well as her aims and aspirations. Excerpts. You have been a two-time MP from Bhubaneswar. How has your tenure transformed the capital city in terms of development and ensuring ease of living for the citizens? Im extremely grateful to the people of Bhubaneswar for having reposed faith in me twice and it is a big responsibility. It is my sixth year as member of Parliament from the seat. However, the first five years of my tenure were extremely challenging and dotted with obstacles as my government was not here. Every moment I had to face opposition because I was right under the nose of the then chief minister. There were a lot of hindrances and opposition everywhere. But the best part was that I tried to reach out to as many people in my own way as possible. This time, Im more confident and very much in a position to deliver in a much better manner and Im delivering. I strongly feel that there are two components of development - hard component and soft component or the hardware and software, as I call them. The hardware is the infrastructure and amenities we focus on to cater to the needs of different segments of people. I have been able to ensure implementation of road infrastructure projects worth Rs 508 crore in my tenure so far. This includes 33 vehicle underpasses, six foot-over-bridges and 10 flyovers. I thank Union Minister Nitin Gadkari ji for that. He has been a big support for me. There are also other infrastructure projects I am pursuing. This includes the 111 km capital region ring road project from Rameshwar in Khurda to Tangi in Cuttack, to be carried out by the NHAI. The Khurda town by-pass road, that I pursued, has also been taken up by the NHAI now at an investment of around Rs 157 crore. The Begunia bypass worth Rs 53.25 crore is also being implemented. I would like to inform that the Hanspal flyover worth Rs 24 crore, my first project as the member of parliament from Bhubaneswar, was also dedicated to public recently, while the four-lane Gangua nullah road project, from Hanspal canal to Naharkanta has also been approved and the Rs 50 crore project is likely to be started by Gadkari ji on April 17, if he is able to make it to Bhubaneswar. Apart from road infrastructure, around Rs 400 crore is also being spent for the renovation, rather construction of the new railway station. The makeover of Khurda railway station is also in progress, while the renovation of Lingaraj temple railway station is expected to be completed by October-end. I have also been able to ensure passenger halt at Atri and Sanapadar and considering peoples genuine demand I am also pursuing for a passenger halt at Taraboi in Jatni and it is expected to be done by June 30. Prime Minister Modi always talks of saturation approach. And Im a great follower of that particular idea. Taking inspiration from that, I have started working for the people in my rural areas. Four of my seven Assembly segments are rural. As part of that approach, we are trying to ensure every household has a concrete roof under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), piped water supply, electricity, gas connection and toilet. These are the five components that we want every house to have in the next five years and I will ensure this is my personal agenda. I will also ensure that every house is connected to concrete road at panchayat level. I would also thank Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for his support in early resolve of 10 issues I had taken up with him. Those issues have been cleared in record time. They include development of a Rs 59 crore modern fish market at Pandra, land for community park for the senior citizens in Nayapalli, renovation of Ugratara Mandir, rejuvenation of Prachi river and two acre land for vendors of Saheed Nagar haat. Bhubaneswar is growing rapidly, but much of this urban growth seems haphazard and unregulated. I fully endorse that. As I told you, a good city is one which caters to the needs of all. We have to have a holistic plan, a very coordinated approach towards any kind of big development project that we take up. There has to be proper planning. When I met the chief minister for the first time, we discussed about the traffic congestion and the whole vast network of roads in Bhubaneswar. I am happy to share that there was good deal of exercise pertaining to my proposals. With the direction of the chief minister, the Works department has prepared a plan and now we will have a coordinated approach. Earlier many things were done in an ad hoc manner, which should have been avoided. Waterlogging is the most persistent problem of the capital city and has only grown over the recent years. Eliminating this problem was a major promise of yours. If you ask me what the biggest issue in Bhubaneswar is, I will say drainage. A comprehensive drainage master plan is the first requirement of the city. I could not resolve the issue last time, though I had a number of meetings with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, because the government was not ours. But now our government is keen to solve these problems. I have discussed the matter with the chief minister and he means business. Im sure the comprehensive master plan will be worked out and things will change for better. The BJP government has committed its support for the metro rail project but is going for a fresh DPR and expansion. Will this affect its progress and the deadlines? The metro project was a good initiative. We all wanted that. However, the Housing and Urban Development department under whose aegis this particular work is being done had initially said no to the project as they thought it was not feasible. However, the project was started by the earlier government in a haphazard manner. They had also made provisions in the budget, but after the new government came and had dialogues with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, they thought we need to revisit the DPR to make the project sustainable. So I think the government is taking steps in the right direction. Given the overwhelming support the people of Odisha had shown to BJP in the 2024 elections, Odisha has failed to get special attention as compared to states like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. Why? If you analyse the last 10 months of our government here, you see tremendous focus has been given by Prime Minister Modi, our Home minister and all central ministers. In the budget too, Odisha has been given due preference in different schemes. Odisha has become a centre of activities, it has hosted the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas; Navy Day was conducted here. Investment is coming in. Utkarsh Odisha conclave was successful. The chief minister had also gone to New Delhi recently and he talked about huge investment coming to Odisha. The prime minister and the Centre are keen that Odisha must look up and Odisha has the capability to actually come forward. So its a very positive environment. I must say that you cannot compare a government of 10 months with a government which has been there for 25 years. Lets wait and watch. We have to give time to the government. You were a member of the JPC on Waqf Amendment Bill which has now become an Act. But now some states like West Bengal are refusing to implement it. What will be the implications of such action? See, I had the great opportunity of being part of the JPC and we had 38 sittings. We deliberated extensively for more than 113 hours. We went to states all over the country and had dialogues with all sections. So I think everybodys concerns and their views - whether Opposition, ruling party or non-political organisations and individuals - were given importance and we tried to incorporate them. What was the intention of the government behind bringing the Bill which has become an Act now. The first was to bring about transparency in the management of Waqf property. Two, we wanted to uproot corruption. Three, we wanted the economic upliftment of poor Muslims, especially women and children. This is a government headed by Prime Minister Modi which means business, which wants transparency and uprooting of corruption, which wants the Mutawali, the caretaker of the Waqf property to have more money in his pocket. As simple as that. Within the next six months, all the details of all the Waqf properties in the country would be uploaded in the website. Let us not talk in terms of Hindus and Muslims. The government has brought a legislation which would actually ensure proper governance, proper administration of the Waqf properties. The voting for Waqf Bill in the Rajya Sabha has caused a great turmoil in the BJD. What is your view on the developments in the rival party? See, it is not about just voting on Waqf Bill. This is a reflection of the bickering within the party. Waqf Bill voting actually is an excuse. There is no leader in BJD at this juncture. We have to accept that. So I think, the tussle within the BJD has actually got reflected in this voting thing. Thats an internal matter of the BJD but I do think BJD is beyond repair now. BJD is a thing of the past. The Mohan Charan Majhi government in the state has completed 10 months in power. How do rate its performance? His government is doing well and I am sure in the days to come, it will improve further. The state had 25 years of corruption, saw for 25 years a non-performing head of the government. I can say Chief Minister Majhis government is finding its foot. Majhi ji is performing extremely well with his team. People are at the centre of things as far as Majhis government is concerned. The way things are moving, the way central government is supporting. I am very confident. But at the same time, a word of caution. The chief minister of a state with his ministers and MLAs should be allowed to perform. We should not interfere and have faith in the functioning, in the ability of Shri Majhi and his ministers. There is a general perception that the Majhi government is an extension of the previous Naveen Patnaik government. More bureaucratic and less transparent. It is too early to comment like that. I do not think so. See, hardly 10 months have gone, and, so many things have happened. The government is fulfilling all its promises. Every day something or the other is happening. If you move to the villages, if you go to the urban areas and the wards, you will find a general atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. I think people are happy. Here is the chief minister whos working hard, who is trying to take everybody along, who is also trying to learn in the process. We are all there to help him. We are all there to work as catalyst and facilitators. I do not think we should be negative at this stage. But there is a common feeling that this government is not moving fast. No big bang things. Subhadra is a big bang thing. All central ministers are coming and announcing projects. The central government and various ministries have started their own plans and programmes in a huge way in Odisha. From drinking water to housing, solving common problems, there are sincere and targeted efforts. Government posts are being filled up. I think we should not be in so much of hurry and let us not look at Mr Majhis government, with pessimism at this juncture. It is too early. And, I can only say with all conviction at my command that Shri Majhi with his team of ministers and his MLAs, if left alone, would do extremely well. A key issue confronting the party is the election of state president. Sharp divide within the party has stalled selection of a common candidate as president. What is your view? No. I can only say that, ours is a very different kind of party. We have a democratic process. It starts from booth to the national president. And for the past couple of months, we have been into it. The democratic process is on. It will take time. And, I think very shortly, the national president will be announced and then thereafter, the remaining states, which do not have the state presidents. I think, we will get the state president very soon. Given that Odisha sent 20 BJP MPs to the Lok Sabha, more ministers were expected from the state. So what next for Aparajita Sarangi ? Will Odisha see the first woman Union minister in the near future? I am thankful to my leaders because of their faith in me. I wear too many hats. They have given me many responsibilities. I am in the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) as the vice-president. I am also the co in-charge of the Kerala BJP. I am the vice-president of the state unit here and the national spokesperson of the party. I am also on the public accounts committee. So many things. I understand what you mean. But I think, you know, I have a lot of faith in the wisdom of my leaders. My leaders whom I hold in very high esteem, Prime Minister Modi, honorable Amit Shah ji, I have full faith in them and their wisdom. They will take the right decision for me at the appropriate time.
AIADMK mortgaged itself after two raids, BJP tie doomed to fail: CM Stalin
CHENNAI: DMK president and Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday said the alliance between the AIADMK and the BJP is against ideals such as protection of state rights and it is doomed to fail. Reacting to Union Home Minister and BJPs chief strategist Amit Shahs announcement that the AIADMK is rejoining the NDA to fight the 2026 Assembly election together, Stalin, in a statement on Saturday, said, Tamil people are aware of the developments that followed the raids by the central investigative agencies in the cases against AIADMK leaders and their relatives. They ran to the BJP leadership for sparing them. The alliance was confirmed based on this compromise. They have mortgaged the AIADMK following those two raids and now they are desperate to mortgage Tamil Nadu. He added: The AIADMK-BJP alliance is doomed to fail. It was the people of Tamil Nadu who handed repeated defeats to this coalition. Now, Shah has reconstituted the same failed alliance. It is a failure alliance and the tie-up is a corruption, by itself. Stalin also questioned the basis of the alliance. On what ideological basis the alliance was formed. Shah said a common minimum programme (CMP) will be drafted. AIADMK claims to oppose NEET, Hindi imposition, three-language policy, Waqf Act and unfair delimitation. Are all these mentioned in their CMP? Shah did not speak about it but only criticised the DMK government. He did not even allow the AIADMK leadership to speak. He also alleged the NDA alliance is against state rights, linguistic rights and Tamil culture. Shah simply downplayed the opposition to NEET as a diversionary tactic. About 20 students in TN and also a few students in Bihar died by suicide. Did all of them die for the same reason as Shah alleges? asked Stalin. 'Kneels without self-respect, traitorous': Stalin slams AIADMK alliance with BJP, says it is doomed to fail The DMKs allies have also slammed the tie-up. TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai said, For the last three years, former TN BJP chief K Annamalai had consistently spoken against the Dravidian movement and targeted the AIADMK. It remains to be seen whether he will continue levelling the same charges now. The TNCC chief said the alliance has no ideological foundation and questioned whether the AIADMK would now accept the BJPs policy positions. VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan asked who was leading the alliance? If the alliance is under the leadership of the AIADMK, then its general secretary should be the one to declare it. Talking to reporters in Coimbatore, he said the same alliance was defeated by the people in 2019 Lok Sabha election and the 2021 Assembly election. Therefore, I believe this alliance will not have any significant impact against the DMK-led front, he added. Earlier, EPSs stand was to form an alliance in the state without the BJP, and this was known to everyone. He has been forced to tie up with the BJP, considering the recent development wherein former education minister K A Sengottaiyan met Shah personally, despite it being unclear what the agenda behind their meeting was. In fact, the BJP forged the alliance after threatening the AIADMK, as it was clearly visible when the tie-up was announced by Shah in Chennai on Friday. However, there is still suspicion about whether the alliance is under the BJP or the AIADMK in the state, he said. Stalin will counter Shahs political strategies in the state: TN law minister slams AIADMK-BJP alliance
Shivraj meets Bihar NDA leaders to plan for upcoming Assembly election
After the meeting, Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary said that Nitish Kumar is the leader of NDA and will remain so in future as well.
Sena quizzes Cong on I.N.D.I.A. future
Shiv Sena (UBT), a key constituent, on Saturday openly questioned the Congress' commitment to the coalition and demanded a clear roadmap ahead, especially with crucial state elections approaching in Bihar, West Bengal, and Gujarat.
Bihar BSSC Field Assistant Recruitment 2025: Apply Online Now
The Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) has opened applications for the Field Assistant position in the Agriculture Department for 2025. Candidates interested in this opportunity must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and submit their applications online between April 25 and May 21, 2025. The recruitment process includes important dates, application fees, and age limits that candidates should be aware of. For detailed information and to apply, candidates are encouraged to read the full notification. Don't miss your chance to be part of this recruitment drive!
UPI outage hits businesses in state
Sonu Kakkar announced that she is no longer a sister to Neha Kakkar and Tony Kakkar. In other news, a vlog where Farah Khan toured her cook Dilips village in Bihar crossed 6.2 million views.
Three siblings drown in river in Kishanganj
Complaint filed against Kanhaiya & 40 others for illegal protests
